Need a peaceful California escape with sunshine, art, and mountain magic? Head to Ojai! Nestled in a scenic valley just east of Ventura, Ojai blends small-town charm with bohemian spirit. Enjoy organic food, spa retreats, art galleries, and hikes in the Topatopa Mountains. Whether you're sipping lavender lemonade or watching the pink “Ojai sunset,” this soulful getaway is pure California bliss.
Ojai, CA Highlights:
- Stroll the charming Arcade Plaza: Shop indie boutiques, bookstores, and artisan markets along this Spanish-style promenade.
- Take in mountain views from Meditation Mount: A peaceful hillside sanctuary with panoramic valley vistas.
- Visit Ojai Olive Oil Company: Tour groves and sample award-winning oils at this family-run farm.
- Hike the Shelf Road Trail: Walk a scenic path overlooking citrus groves and downtown Ojai.
- Relax at an Ojai spa: Book a massage, facial, or wellness treatment at serene resorts like Ojai Valley Inn.
When I like to visit Ojai, CA
The best time to visit Ojai is in spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Pleasant temperatures make it perfect for hiking, dining outdoors, and enjoying the golden “pink moment” sunsets. Summer is also beautiful, with dry, sunny days and lively weekend markets.
Tips for getting to Ojai, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Ojai is located off Highway 33, about 30 minutes from Ventura and 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
- By Train: Take Amtrak to Ventura, then drive or take a shuttle into Ojai.
- By Air: Fly into Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) or Burbank (BUR) and enjoy a scenic drive to the valley.
Where I like to stay in Ojai, CA
- Ojai Valley Inn – Luxury resort with world-class spa, golf course, fine dining, and tranquil gardens.
- Caravan Outpost – Chic Airstream glamping in a hip, eco-friendly garden setting.
- Blue Iguana Inn – Southwestern-style boutique inn with lush grounds and cozy rooms.
Best Things to Do in Ojai, CA
1. Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
Beatrice Wood was a famous New York artist and potter during the early 1900s, and the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts was founded to celebrate her life and works. In addition to the regular exhibits, the museum offers temporary exhibits showcasing up-and-coming artists. The center is open to the public Friday through Sunday between 11am and 5pm, and it often hosts workshops, classes, and lectures designed to educate the public about different approaches to the arts. There is also a small gift shop selling everything from books to unique pieces of artwork inspired by Beatrice Wood.
8585 Ojai Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, Phone: 805-646-3381
2. Lake Casitas
Created by the construction of a dam on Coyote Creek, Lake Casitas is a manmade lake that was built to provide water for drinking and for irrigation. The lake is surrounded by the Lake Casitas Recreation Area, which offers a disc golf course, boat and kayak rentals, a lakeview cafe open for breakfast and lunch, and a water park. Swimming is not permitted in the lake because the water is used for drinking and needs to be kept clean, but visitors are welcome to fish, boat, and camp at one of the 400 campsites along the shore.
3. Los Padres National Forest
Covering mountains, rivers, and beaches, Los Padres National Forest is the second-largest national forest in California. One of the best ways to experience the forest's beauty is on foot, and there are a wide range of trails that cater to almost every fitness and ability level. The forest is home to 468 species of wildlife and approximately 1,200 plant species, making it a great destination for anyone interested in birdwatching or learning about the local flora and fauna. Some areas of the forest require special permits, which can be purchased from the Forest Service.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Ojai Meadows Preserve
Designed and created to connect people with the natural world, the Ojai Meadows Preserve is a natural wetland area that has undergone extensive restoration after being badly damaged in the mid-1900s. The native plants have been restored, and the preserve is once again home to a diverse range of native animal species. In 2017, the Ojai Saddle Trails were opened to the public for the first time; all trails are approximately 1 mile in length and typically require 30 minutes of walking. Dogs are permitted on a leash, and visitors are asked to stay on the trails to help preserve the delicate ecosystem.
1447-1601 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023, Phone: 805-649-6852
5. Ojai Olive Oil
One of the biggest olive oil orchards in Southern California, Ojai Olive Oil is a family-run business that harvests its olives by hand and uses organic farming practices. The company makes several different varieties of award-winning extra-virgin oil as well as olive oils infused with fruits and herbs; these can be purchased at the Sunday farmers market or right from the shop at the olive grove. Free guided tours of the olive groves and the olive mill are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and free tastings are available every day in the tasting room.
1811 Ladera Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, Phone: 805-646-5964
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Ojai Valley Museum
Housed inside a former Catholic church, the Ojai Valley Museum is dedicated to sharing the art, history, and culture of the Ojai Valley. A number of semi-permanent exhibits introduce visitors to the most important events in the historic evolution of the valley, and a permanent wilderness diorama allows visitors to get a close look at 12 different species of birds and animals. An interpretive garden sits behind the building, and there is also an art gallery used to showcase works by local artists. The museum is open every day of the week except for Monday, and admission is by donation.
130 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023, Phone: 805-640-1390
7. Ojai Certified Farmers' Market
Tucked away behind the arcade, the Ojai Certified Farmers' Market is open every Sunday morning between 9am and 1pm, rain or shine. The vendors come from Ojai as well as from the towns and farms in the surrounding area, and they sell everything from locally grown produce to handmade artisan soap. The selection of goods for sale varies, but visitors can typically expect to see honey and beeswax products, live plants and freshly cut flowers, locally caught seafood, and gourmet prepared food. Plenty of street parking is available, and the market often hosts live music performances to keep visitors entertained.
300 E Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023, Phone: 805-698-5555
8. Valley View Preserve
Encompassing 195 acres just outside of downtown Ojai, the Valley View Preserve is a protected open space that offers dozens of miles of hiking trails. The most popular trail is the Fox Canyon Trail, a beautiful 1-mile path that connects to Foothill Trail and U.S. Forest Service trail. Other options include the short but steep Luci’s Trail and the Foothill Trail; the Fox Canyon, Luci's, and Foothill trails can be combined for a long but satisfying walk around the preserve. Parking is available at the Pratt Trailhead, and a kiosk at the Fox Canyon Trailhead offers maps and information about the area's ecosystem.
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
9. Ventura River Preserve
Nestled in the western Ojai Valley, the Ventura River Preserve protects almost 1,600 acres of land, including 3 miles of the beautiful Ventura River. The land was formerly the Rancho El Nido ranch, and today it provides a safe place for approximately 300 different species of plants and animals. There are many miles of trails open to visitors; guided tours of the preserve are offered several times a year, and other possible activities include hiking, horseback riding, and dog walking. The preserve can be accessed from three different trailheads, all of which offer plenty of parking.
1290 Meyer Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, Phone: 805-649-6852
Where I Like to Eat in Ojai, CA
- Ojai Beverage Company – Craft beer and casual dining with burgers, sandwiches, and a vast bottle shop.
- Hip Vegan Café – A local favorite for healthy, flavorful vegan meals and smoothies.
- Ojai Rotie – Mediterranean-inspired rotisserie chicken and salads served in a stylish patio setting.
- Azu – Spanish tapas, local wines, and a warm, rustic vibe in the heart of town.
My favorite local events:
- Ojai Music Festival (June) – World-class performances in a relaxed, outdoor setting for music lovers.
- Ojai Lavender Festival (Summer) – Celebrate lavender season with crafts, scents, and farm tours.
- Ojai Film Festival (November) – Independent film screenings in a cozy, artistic environment.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Ojai, California:
- Ventura (25–30 min) – Surf beaches, the historic Mission, and ferry access to Channel Islands National Park.
- Santa Paula (25 min) – Visit the Aviation Museum, enjoy murals, or stroll the quaint downtown.
- Lake Casitas (15 min) – Paddle, fish, picnic, or relax by the water in this peaceful reservoir park.
- Meiners Oaks (5–10 min) – Eclectic enclave with yoga studios, local eateries, and funky art spots.
- Upper Ojai (15–20 min) – Enjoy quiet rural drives, citrus groves, and open skies along Sulphur Mountain Road.
Plan Your Trip